Though we understand that textbook prices are especially high, the library is unable to borrow required class textbooks/readings via Interlibrary Loan. Why?

Ill material is short term borrowing and you would not be able to keep the book for the entire semester:

Due dates are set by the lending library, not Bailey/Howe Library.

Renewals are not always allowed by the lending library.

When a renewal is allowed, it usually is only once for a brief extension of one-two weeks.

Books cannot be re-ordered if the book has to be returned.

Loaned books usually take one-two weeks to arrive, so you would already be far behind in your class work and reading by the time they arrive.

Few libraries purchase textbooks and if they do, they reserve them for their students' use.

Even fewer libraries have the newest editions that are required for classes.

Interlibrary Loans are subject to immediate recall by the lending library. So you might only have it for a week before the lending library requests it be returned. Should you not return the ILL book upon recall your ILL privileges will be blocked and you will incur fines and fees.

Though interlibrary loans do not cost you anything, the cost to the library begins at $25 per request. The library simply does not have the funding to request hundreds of student textbooks.